English Reference
noun

recovery

n.
US /ɹɪˈkəvɝi/ UK /ɹɪkˈʌvəɹi/ re·cov·ery UK spelling recoveries, recovery's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    the process of becoming healthy again after an illness or injury.

    the process of returning to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.

    Simple

    The doctor said she should make a full recovery within a few weeks.

    In context

    Physiotherapy is a critical component of the patient's recovery, ensuring that muscle strength is restored after the surgical procedure.

    recuperationconvalescencehealing
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of getting back something that was lost, stolen, or hidden.

    the act or process of regaining possession of something lost or stolen.

    Simple

    Police are working on the recovery of the stolen paintings.

    In context

    The deep-sea expedition focused on the recovery of the flight data recorder from the wreckage on the ocean floor.

    retrievalreclamationrepossession
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Economics

    a period when the economy starts to grow again after a difficult time.

    a period of renewed economic growth following a recession or slump.

    Simple

    There are early signs of economic recovery as more people find jobs.

    In context

    Market analysts remain cautious, noting that the fragile economic recovery could be derailed by sudden fluctuations in global energy prices.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    the process of getting back money that is owed to you.

    the process of obtaining a judgment for the payment of money or the actual collection of a debt.

    Simple

    The company hired a lawyer to help with the recovery of unpaid fees.

    In context

    The court granted a verdict for the recovery of damages, though the defendant's lack of liquid assets made the actual collection difficult.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the process of taking useful materials like metal or oil out of the ground.

    the extraction of useful substances, such as minerals or metals, from ore or a natural deposit.

    Simple

    New technology has improved the recovery of gold from old mines.

    In context

    The environmental impact report questioned whether the secondary recovery of oil from the exhausted well was economically viable given the high energy costs.

Usage recovery efforts

He remembers feeling he was "broken, that there was no way out", before recovery helped him to think differently.

BBC News· 8 Aug 2026

Judging chair Dr Andrew M Butler, a critic and academic, called it “a story of environmental change and possible recovery”.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026

From Middle English recoveree, from Old French recovree, from recovrer (“recover”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French recovree
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated